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  • 5.0 star rating
    2/5/2015
    1 check-in

    I live on 77th St. When my budget is cool with it, I stop in for a medium iced Honey Bee, which is milk, honey, vanilla and espresso. I've never had it hot, but the iced version is great. The red velvet cookies and cupcakes are awesome as well. Gimme Coffee roasts for them - this is a company that I am a fan of because they have some good coffee and they are based out of Ithaca. As a native upstater, sweet.

    I have had their French toast before and it's really good. The tuna melt, which I am eating right now, is decent. Everything is what some people would consider "pricey" but it's not McDonalds or your house, i.e. where you should go if you want a $3 "latte" or sandwich.

    The place has good vibes. They play coffee house music and sometimes have live music. They also serve beer and wine. The baristas are all friendly enough, but they aren't annoyingly friendly and all in your business. If you don't come for a month or two, they aren't going to say something to you about it on your next visit.

    Overall, the experience is kind of hipstery but it's a coffee shop, so that's to be expected.

  • 3.0 star rating
    12/27/2014

    I understand it's hard to be an independent coffee shop within a two block radius of Starbucks, but all the more reason to try harder and do better to make me want to go to E77 over 'bucks.  I'm pretty boring when it comes to coffee.  I order a medium drip and drink it black every time.  When I saw they served Gimmie Coffee I was ecstatic!  Unfortunately the last few times I went here for coffee, the brew was weak and flavorless.  I even saw the barista reuse grounds for a second brew of coffee.  That's like the cardinal rule of making coffee.  

    Vibe is great and they support other local business and artists.  They just need to fix some basics: coffee/food.

  • 4.0 star rating
    12/13/2014
    3 check-ins

    I've only come here is the mornings and afternoon for an espresso and occasional cookie.

    This is a nice little nook which offers the option of non-corporate coffee in Jackson Heights.  In addition to coffee and pastries,  this place also offers up sandwiches soup and salads.

    I always get the same drink,  an Americano and it compares well to many of the other small coffee shops in the area.

    The barristas aren't especially friendly but they get the job done.

    This place is generally packed in the evenings with wine drinkers.

  • 4.0 star rating
    2/12/2015
    1 check-in

    I came here on a Saturday afternoon, it was bitter cold and was looking for a place to meet up with a friend that was warm. This is a cute coffee shop 5 minutes from the train. When you walk in there are signs posted everywhere that it's a screen free zone during certain times on weekdays and all the time on weekends. So for those of you looking to get some work done here on your laptops, make sure you check the times you can do this. Honestly, I like that they have that sign because we were able to find a seat, which we wouldn't have been able to do otherwise. I don't like the seating on the way to the bathroom, people bump into you constantly, so when another seat opened up the barrista helped us move our stuff which I thought was really nice. The brownies we had were the salted caramel and the marshmallow. They were good, but not crazy good.

  • 2.0 star rating
    12/27/2014
    1 check-in

    Semi-friendly staff -- $10 min to use a card, otherwise CASH only.  Try the fruit parfait as it's average but filling. They serve ice coffee year round but it is also average.  Not too much seating so prob want to get it to go.  Please refer to photo as there is a "Screen Policy" which is basically "don't come here to do anything but talk to friends and order food".  I'm totally in support of this as a business has the right to operate as it wishes, except the manager gave me a nasty look until I left like I didn't just spend $15 at a cheap coffee bar.  All I wanted to do was edit a few files for half an hour before a meeting.  Apparently books are not
    considered a "screen" so go with that instead of your iPad.

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/28/2015

    I really just dislike this place. I live fairly close and they close all
    Different times at night. Sometimes it will be 1am and ill see and hear people talking and smoking and flicking the cig butts everywhere.  I think they are confused JH is a melting pot of different cultures, which we have good food thats very fairly priced. The coffee is average and way too pricy. On top of that the employees are hipsters/looking border line homeless,like please for the love of god go to Williamburg, you dont fit in here. Grilled cheese and tomatoe soup should never run you $11 dollars in JH yet here they do. I agree with anotjer yelper dont kick people off the internet, let them buy time.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/27/2015

    At this cozy neighborhood cafe,I have had endless cups of coffee and glasses of wine, met tons of people, seen wonderful art, and read many books. I always enjoy coming here and exchanging pleasantries with the friendly staff. I do hope they outright ban laptops for good--this place is too tiny to have people camping out to work.

  • 5.0 star rating
    7/2/2014 Updated review
    6 check-ins

    I especially find this Jackson Heights location very welcoming.  It has a fancy and cute Park Slope lounge feel.  It is great for dates.  I should mention that the staff is nice and understanding. I have ordered something once, paid for it, and then of course, I forgot to grab it to go.  How forgetful of me!  Good thing they remembered me.  

    Inside Espresso 77, I also find the meal options varied and the beverages extensive.  You can get panini, croissants, bagels, scones, and other baked goods.  My favorite is their tomato, basil, mozzarella baguette or panino.  During the evening, they have jazz duos play here and also alcoholic drinks served including wine and beer.

    I also enjoy the cookies which are vegan from the Alternative Baking Company.  It has all natural ingredients and taste quite addictive.  Sometimes when I have a tough day, I feel like visiting with an old friend and grabbing a cookie and a coffee.  They also have decaf.  I also spied iced coffee on them menu and NOLA (New Orleans iced coffee) brew as well.  

    There are seats in pairs and also seats about 15 people.  It is not a huge place, but what it lacks in space, it makes up through its aesthetics.  There are random art pieces that line the walls.  They are for sale, and when I came by today, it was inspired by Frieda.  There is a rule about screen time...not sure what it is.  I also notice that the music is Top 40 pop which I confess that I love!  I would totally come back.

    5.0 star rating
    8/6/2013 Previous review
    Love, love, love this place.  It has great sandwiches:  curry chicken on whole wheat, tomato, basil… Read more
  • 1.0 star rating
    1/29/2015

    I really wanted this to be a good coffee shop in the neighborhood as the selection is rather limited in the area. I got a regular coffee and it tasted sour and burnt. Gross! Owner gave me a look of disapproval for only ordering coffee. Then people with laptops are only allowed to sit by the wall. The other staff seemed really chill but not worth coming back.

  • 2.0 star rating
    5/20/2014

    I have a love-hate relationship with Espresso 77.

    Love:
    1.Independently owned (I work hard to make the money I do, spend a lot of it on the things that make me happy, and when I do, I like to give it to the little guys)
    2.Gimme Coffee! (and an espresso 77/gimme blend that you can buy and enjoy at home)
    3.True "coffeeshop" ambience, you know, a place where you can meet new friends and old
    4. They sell art here. Sometimes the proceeds of sale go to charity, like rescued girls and boys of Afghanistan. But sometimes, they are just selling art. Both of which are displayed on the walls.
    5. Live music nights, which I have yet to attend. (I just really love Terraza 7 for this category. Venue and artists are so good.)

    Hate Hate Hate:
    1. Customer service. They don't seem to perk up and smile until I leave 2$ (pay it forward!) in the tip jar. This really irks me because I've been many times now and this seems to be a running problem. Maybe it stems from the owner himself: I once ordered oatmeal to stay and he rudely slammed my bowl on the table. This is even after he only offered me the large size bowl, not bothering to tell me that they had a smaller size. I had the blood-boiling feeling that he himself was taking advantage of me. And paging Espresso 77, the "i don't care, i'm a serious hipster barista" attitude doesn't even fly in BK anymore.

    2. They will eventually kick you out if you are on your laptop for a certain amount of time. The reviews are true, I've seen it happen. This is understandable since there are some true lifers at Starbucks, but if they want to avoid becoming a campsite they should install a system where the customer's receipt has a code for WiFi access, granting them 45m/1hr (or "x" time) of use. Having technology boot someone off, rather than staff, is a bit more gentle. This is why some coffeeshops employ this system. Maybe guests would even buy another cup of coffee, or bottle of beer (yes, they do that here. a few kinds to choose from), or GASP!, a meal (sandwiches, french toast, pastries).

    Overall, it's the customer service here that will prevent me from coming back. Hopefully some competition will open up. In the meantime, I am the proud owner of a percolator, a french press, and a drip-over system, so I don't mind buying quality beans and doing the DIY thang. Was really hoping that this anti-Starbucks/DD could be my hangout in my new neighborhood. Really disappointed.

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/13/2014 Updated review
    10 check-ins

    Sadly I'll have to downgrade the review. 1. The past three times we've gone here in the last week we were charged different amounts for the same beverage, ordered large, was given medium and then after telling them it was a medium they contradicted me and said it was a large. So get your prices straight E77!

    2. What's up with the douchy clientele? I've lived in JH all my life, I was looking forward to supporting local business and frequenting this nice coffee shop but I'm sorry, I just can't stand the hipster/yuppy pretentiousness that has taken over this joint.

    I'll just go to the local bodegas and get my coffee, still good and much less in price than this spot charges.

    I tried to like you, sorry.

    4.0 star rating
    1/4/2014 Previous review
    Ok, this place is a gem in Jackson Heights simply because you can't find a local coffee shop like… Read more
  • 5.0 star rating
    11/15/2014

    This place is as good as it gets to stop for a morning coffee before you run around Queens.

    Make sure to bring home a bag, otherwise you get the urge to stop by every morning.

  • 1.0 star rating
    10/5/2014

    As a resident of Jackson heights, I think the neighborhood deserve better.

    Prices don't include tax, so A medium latte comes out to $4.90. That's more expensive then any good (stumptown, blue bottle, grumphys, etc) cafe in Manhattan!!!!! THIS IS QUEENS!!!

    Now, if the lattes were the best, it would be worth it, but they are hit and miss. And I've been in twice this week and both times the lattes were subpar. I can foam milk better with my ancient Italian former at home.

    I originally stop coming after the owner was completely rude to myself and others. I figured I'd give it another chance, and sad to see not all is fixed.

    Sweet leaf, Coffeed or Queens Kickshaw, take notice! There is a demand here for good coffee and a friendly service, which is sadly not being fulfilled by the sole cafe in the neighborhood.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/9/2014
    1 check-in

    I stumbled into this place this afternoon. great service, staff is so friendly and helpful, food is good and coffee is yummy. Initially I had walked into Naidres cafe on 7 ave where not one of the staff had paid attention to me for about 4 minutes. I left Naidres with no food and no interaction. as I walked in at Espresso 77 I was welcomed by a big smile and the girl was so helpful and gave me suggestions about what I could have and how she would prepare it. I'm in love.

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/20/2014

    LOVE LOVE LOVE that there is limited screen time at this coffee shop. There is nothing more that I hate than having nowhere to sit because people are camping out. If you need to work, use your office!

    Great coffee, nice selection of drinks. Favorite neighborhood spot.

  • 5.0 star rating
    11/18/2014

    Playing as a duo this past weekend at Espresso 77 was a great musical experience! We both truly enjoyed the way the room sounded, the intimacy of those listening, and the wonderful staff. We look forward to playing at Espresso 77 again or just stopping by to get caffeinated and dig into some great food!

  • 3.0 star rating
    4/13/2014
    1 check-in

    Small coffee/limited bar store. Nice people, they have a few things they need to fix but first, let me address the good stuff. They do prepare their coffee on the spot and the smell is great. I am not a coffee person but I love the smell strangely.

    When coming into a coffee shop I usually either get a tea or a soda and some type of small pastry to keep walking towards my destination. This place offers much more than just coffee. They also have beers and wine! So you can sit and enjoy a coffee or a drink while getting work done on your laptop. It's a small shop not too far away from the train.

    With that said, if you enjoy chocolate rich delicious cookies, please don't eat the cookies they sell that are packaged. Not worth the crazy $3 each one costs. I have had better cookies from Nabisco! Honestly, I should have tried their homemade ones. It was something I should have known, the packs do say no eggs, not tans fat and so many other things so if you are a healthy food eating type, you might find this cookie great... but I really could not stand it so I threw it away.

    Again, nice spot, could use a bit of a face lift to make the place look better. The way it looks like now is a bit of a hole in a wall, all white walls with some chairs and tables. The people I spoke to here loved the shop though!

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/13/2014

    I'm addicted to their "Dirty Chai" & their peanut butter oatmeal smoothies.  They may be $5, but I'd pay about the same at Starbucks, though at least here we're supporting something even more unique.  They play fun indie rock sometimes, and they have great original art on the walls.
    Also Espresso 77 gives out those customer punch cards - buy 10 coffees get one free!

  • 1.0 star rating
    7/9/2014

    I have to add my voice to the choir, lambasting the ownership at espresso 77 for its ill-conceived, anachronistic and mean-spirited screens regulations. When I saw their notice prohibiting use of screens on weekends and during certain times/at certain locations in the shop, I emailed to understand why. One of the owners said she was sorry I was confused, and simply reiterated the policy already posted in the shop. I objected again, and tried to explain that it's not the use per se of electronic devices, but the time spent in the shop, which I can understand them wanting to limit. But no response.

    This, added to inconsistent pricing (my last visit, a pastry jumped to $3.50, 75% more than a larger/better version in Manhattan) and more than occasional leftovers (those stale/dry pastries that are obviously from the previous day) made me swear off espresso 77. Haven't set foot there for several weeks, using Starbucks until a new kid on the block shows up with better customer care, business sense, and pastries!

    July 21 update, my roommate said, as we passed the cafe this evening on our way home from work, that he too stopped going there, because they were not friendly to him the two times he went there.

  • 4.0 star rating
    1/25/2015
    1 check-in

    Good coffee and desserts. They have a limited space and it's usually crowded here during the weekends.

  • 1.0 star rating
    12/22/2013

    Someone asked me to meet them here for an interview. Granted it is an informal setting for an interview but it seemed reasonable. It's a coffee house, there's seats and it's more quiet than a diner or restaurant. I arrived early and drove by the place, it definitely looked like a nice, quaint coffee house.  As an avid coffee house patron, I assumed that I could bring my laptop while I waited, 1 to pass time and 2 to show some of my work to the person I was meeting here.  

    So I grabbed a coffee from the barista and sat down. Took out my laptop and looked for a wifi network. I saw a network conveniently named E77 but was locked. I asked the barista if there was a wifi password, to which she replied we don't allow laptop usage here on weekends. The owner will probably call down to ask you to put it away. I am dumbfounded, it is quite shocking that here on the last days of 2013, laptop usage is prohibited even at a coffeehouse. The coffee isn't even that great to justify me coming back here.  

    This is the first and last time I will ever be at espresso 77. With all the choices out there for coffeehouses, I would rather be at Starbucks and that is where my next recommendation will be should anyone say let's meet at espresso 77.

  • 2.0 star rating
    11/30/2014

    Went here to try and support local business for my sunday internet surfing sesh. Paid $3 and change for a meh iced tea, sat down to use my computer, and found that there is a "no screen policy" on weekends.... which only applied to my laptop screen, not the 3 tablets being used by other customers (of which there were only a few -- many open tables, so I wasn't preventing customers from coming in). Wish I brought my tablet instead! But alas, I was told by the girl behind the counter that she'd get in trouble because her "boss is watching" if she let me use it... not a fan. Ended up dumping the iced tea and going to Starbucks around the corner, and won't be back after the prickly service, not-great prices, and annoying policies.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/16/2013
    2 check-ins

    To be honest I was absolutely floored the first time I entered Espresso 77. I couldn't not believe that a place like this exists in Queens, in Jackson Heights nonetheless. These are the kind of independent coffee shops that frequent Williamsburg (Brooklyn), Lower East Side (Manhattan) or perhaps in Astoria if we're talking Queens.

    Espresso 77 is a GEM! Their fancypants coffee menu is pretty awesome and it comes complete WITHOUT fancypants prices. They're got everything from macchiatos, lattes, chai teas, espresso (obviously), homemade ciders, hot chocolates, seasonal stuff (pumpkinsssssss) and more.

    In the evenings they serve craft brews and coffee cocktails...wish I had friends in this part of town as I really want to swing by and give them a whirl...guess I can go get coffee drunk alone one day when I'm stressed and in need of sweet, sweet caffeinated booze.

    Their décor is simple, but warm, inviting and they support local artists - awesome. There is also a bench outdoors for when it's nice out and you want to enjoy your beverage or tasty baked good and people watch in a neighborhood that has a lot to offer as far as people watching goes. Oh ya, that brings me to baked goods. Their case is full of delicious looking baked stuffs.

    I love this place. 5 stars.

  • 5.0 star rating
    4/18/2014
    2 check-ins

    I was a little confused at the beginning and it's true that I didn't like the idea of not being able to work with my computer, but I have to admit that I have understood their philosophy and now I'm a loyal visitor.

    The idea of creating a space for the community, of offering the love and passion for something well done and the close relationship with the baristas got me.

    I'm there almost every day to have a coffee (excellent one) or even to have breakfast or lunch sometimes. I like the atmosphere where almost everyone is part of the same neighborhood. Now I don't care if it's a safe place of technology, I even need that sometimes.

    I go now to talk with my wife and have a glass of wine or a coffee, or to listen to live music. I'm so grateful of having such a warm environment in own street. I recommend this place with no doubt. Don't forget to take the points card for getting a free coffee after ten hehe!

  • 1.0 star rating
    2/22/2014

    Espresso 77 has friendly baristas, delicious drinks and wonderful local art work exhibited throughout the cafe. Too bad the owner ruins the entire experience!

    No laptop usage on the weekends? Fine. I understand that 21st century coffee shop culture consists of patrons sitting around and staring at a screen for countless hours. Small cafés can't survive if patrons only buy a $2 coffee and hang out all day. That said, I don't believe it's fair for the owner to hover around you during a three hour stint and eventually try and bully you to purchase more items.

    Ordering two ($3) drinks within a 3 hour and 15 minute time period should suffice. The owner didn't appear to think that was good enough as he rudely exclaimed "this isn't Starbucks, you can't sit around all day. You stay, you buy!"

    I get it!  However there should really be a sign outlining the coffee shop "rules" because most coffee shops are okay with a patron spending $6 plus tax during a 3 hour stay. Further, as a customer I don't want to be watched as if I'm committing some heinous crime nor do I want to be talked to in a condescending tone. Yes, it's a small place with limited seating but the owner should really take a lesson in customer service etiquette, if not ,he's going to drive a lot of people away. He will certainly be losing my business.

    Finally, Jackson Heights is an amazing neighborhood but it's a shame the area is limited with coffee shops. The owner will continue getting away with his bad attitude since there aren't too many other alternatives. If I wanted to deal with an awkward coffee shop environment I would've made the 40 minute trek to a hipster cafe in Greenpoint. Simply said: the owner kills the experience! I'm strongly considering reporting him to the Better Business Bureau of New York.  If you go there, take your purchased item to go. You'll quickly learn you're not welcomed there.

    P.S. The owner is the short South Asian(?) man that wears denim on denim. His terrible fashion sense makes him stand out.

  • 4.0 star rating
    3/30/2014

    I walked in here for a coffee about 20 minutes ago. This place has a good vibe, and while I never thought it might be a good look to serve beer at a coffee place, this place pulls it off. People sitting around enjoying craft beer, others coffee. I even saw a pair of people chatting, one with a beer, and the other with a cafe latte. Turns out its a novel idea,and can actually work.

    I just wanted to try this spot out, and went with the americano, wich I'm sipping as i write this. Smooth. Ironically, or not ironic at all, I was not 20 yards away from this place when a woman asked me excitedly "Is there a Starbucks this way." I tried to explain there was a nice coffee spot right on the corner, "But is there a starbucks..." she interrupted.  Sigh, "yes" I answered. There's one that way and every direction no doubt...

    But try Espresso 77 if you near by.

  • 3.0 star rating
    11/25/2013
    1 check-in

    Checked it out on a chilly Monday in November.  It's a bit far from the tracks but if you live nearby it's a decent spot.  Seats about 12-14 comfortably but mostly in 2's.  It's a cozy little spot in Jackson Heights.  

    For this quick visit, $7 got me a pumpkin latte (complete w/ a little leaf patterned into the cream) and a soft pumpkin cookie (didn't get it heated though they offered).

  • 3.0 star rating
    5/13/2014
    1 check-in

    My first time there was yesterday evening, and boy what a surprise! While the space is cute and quite small it feels very homey.  I am currently under the coffee cult aka Starbucks and will remain loyal until I pop this baby out. Under my doctor's orders I can only have decaf, (who wants that crap anyway?!)

    I only had the hot chocolate which was just OK, I would have to come back for the coffee to see if the hype is real.

  • 5.0 star rating
    10/12/2014

    A lovely friendly place with great coffee. Not much space to sit and drink - it's best to take drinks away. So much better than the old coffee shop that used to be here (their teas were vile.)

  • 5.0 star rating
    9/20/2013

    Mmmmmm.... I'd sure like to come back here for a delicious cup of iced latte.

    We looked it up on Yelp and made the trip out here. Very glad we did. Small little coffee shop on a not-so-busy street located in a very busy neighborhood. It's nice to have the hustle n' bustle but at the same time be able to escape off into a quaint little coffee shop just steps away!

    Latte was delicious. Service was good. Beans were awesome (I bought two bags).

    Looking forward to returning one day soon!

  • 1.0 star rating
    10/12/2014

    I been in this place twice , and the second visit was very disappointing, I ordered a wrap for lunch and it took forever before they served it . And the person who took my order didn't even tell me that my order was coming While I was sitting there  forever waiting for my order . So I thought that she never got the order and never charged it on my card. Until finally asked her if she charged me . the response was not soo friendly. So I felt really bad and left the place  not in a good mood.

  • 3.0 star rating
    10/4/2014

    Ridiculously over priced. This is a small coffeeshop in the middle of Jackson Heights. However the workers are cute.

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/29/2013
    1 check-in

    Didn't realize it at the time but this fine little espresso shop is like a desert island. Try finding a venue in this area where you can suck great coffee and wireless at the same time. Himalayan, Bhutanese or Nepalese restaurants? Aplenty. Espresso shops? Rare as hen's teeth. Roosevelt Ave. a block or two over is teaming with restaurants but void of anything espresso for a mile in either direction that I could find.

    Didn't experience the "one hour time limit" thing mentioned in other reviews. Found the lady working there today to be pretty friendly. Not particularly busy on a Monday so maybe they weren't concerned. Latte was perfectly poured, really rich and the appropriate temperature (thank you). Excellent. Glad I found it. If I lived in this neighborhood I'd be a regular. Oh, and they apparently support live music. Like.

  • 4.0 star rating
    4/21/2014

    Fresh cup of coffee when u buy a bag of freshly roasted coffee! Yes!!!

    Love the coffee and other inventive drinks here.

    Havent really been here for food so I can't comment much.  Gets packed Bc the place is petit but nicely decorated w artwork (for sale?)

    Plus bathroom always clean! Hurray!

    Happy this place exists: it is awesome and makes me love my neighborhood more.

  • 5.0 star rating
    1/3/2014 Updated review

    So I been coming here on a regular basis lately and thought an update was long overdo....The customer service is always great, the ambience is cozy, the food is yummy and satisfying. My faves so far are the french toast and the hummus plate. But above all I love their drinks. They have some unique combinations and fresh flavors you can't go wrong. I'm a coffee lover but for the noncoffee drinkers there's plenty of great drink options. They also have wine and a nice beer selection if that's more your taste.

    I recently experienced a musical night here for the first time about a week ago and it was very laid back and enjoyable. Be sure to check out their flyers, they have a variety of musical nights. Overall just an awesome cozy cafe that will quickly turn into your favorite hangout spot if you live in the Jackson Heights neighborhood. Also be sure to check out their art selection. They help support local artists. So glad I came upon this place thanks to yelp !

    4.0 star rating
    5/12/2012 Previous review
    Cozy little cafe with a variety of sandwiches and great natural juices. Would come back to try their… Read more
  • 4.0 star rating
    9/3/2014
    1 check-in

    Good local coffee place in Jackson Heights.

  • 2.0 star rating
    1/20/2014

    Great, small coffee house in Jackson Heights, good alternative to always Starbucks..
    But..

    it's a bit overpriced for Jackson Heights community..
    $3.00 for what they call a Lg coffee if you take one of the special brews, it appears...
    in compering, there Lg is Starbucks medium size...
    Good coffee, but so is most of today's coffee places that has come up all over New York..

  • 4.0 star rating
    7/27/2013
    10 check-ins

    This is a great little cafe in the neighborhood. They use Gimme Coffee so their cappuccinos are great but their chai is also excellent! For pastries they stock their shelves with goodies from Cannelle but their brunch items are also really good. I love the vibe and its exactly the kind of spot I can hang out in while reading a book or just chatting with a friend. I will definitely be a regular here.

  • 4.0 star rating
    6/13/2014

    I don't want to sound snobby but I have to say what I feel: Espresso 77 would be a hip local coffee shop in most American cities. In New York it feels suburban to the point of being quaint. I can't think of how to say this without sounding like a snob, which is a shame because I really don't want to sound condescending. i love Espresso 77 and the atmosphere around it is what makes living in Jackson heights so great--the slow, suburban, neighborly atmosphere in the midst of a vibrant urban area.

    I'm not picky about coffee but I drink it enough to know what's good, and the coffee here isn't amazing but it's fine. As other reviewers have noted, service isn't amazing either but you get what your order and that's what counts. It's popular, but whevener I want to have a seat to read or work I find one. Espresso 77 has a subscription to Artforum so usually near the beginning of the month I'll come in to leaf through the magazine and see what's up. At night they serve beer and wine, so it's a chill place to have a drink in an area with a dearth of bars (excluding the gay bars and the straight ones where you pay a few dollars to slow-dance with a senorita). There's live music, and though I've never attended I concert I often walk by (I live on the street a block up) and see a crowd enjoying it.

    In keeping with the small-city coffeeshop tradition Espresso 77 has changing exhibitions of works by local artists. And to be frank a lot of them aren't that good. I remember a show in the fall of paintings where the people held umbrellas and the rain flowed around them--they were corny in their obsession with the perfect shape of the umbrellas, the unmuddy hues of skies and coats despite the rain. A simplistic fantasia on the umbrella's bouncing rim and round crown. But a more recent exhibit my Pascal Jalabert really impressed me. I'm pretty sure it was the first time I've seen an art show in a coffee shop that responded to the whole space--a total installation that took everything into account. There were landscape/architectural drawings--contour maps from a bird's-eye view of forests and cities, rendered in soft pencil colors, with red bridges in them. They were hung in the wall in a gently sloping arc, like the span of a bridge. And then there was a cardboard-and-foil red bridge spanning the coffeeshop itself, from one wall to the other reaching over the heads of patrons. Exhibitions have changed several times, but the bridge is still there.

    I also like the row of exotic theatrical masks that are permanently installed above the window, and the funny art in the bathroom

  • 3.0 star rating
    2/6/2014

    I love local coffee shops... I'm from Toronto and coffee shops are a way of life for us, they are on every street corner, not so much in Jackson Heights. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that they have almond milk and have green tea lattes...

    Some negatives; well I happened to discover this place on a Friday and Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights they have live music after 8:30p.  Well the artist was just about to start when the owner asked me to close my laptop, he said no laptops when the musicians are playing.  On the one hand I can understand that IF you're also going to ask people to put there cell phones away and cease their conversations while the artist is playing, because I still did what I needed to do on my cell!

    I went back the next night, I needed the wifi and although there are other places, it's not everywhere you can get lattes with Almond Milk.  The music was awesome that night and I stayed for the whole thing and made some new contacts which is great!

    All and all, it's a nice cafe and I will go back.